A door for a household appliance

ABSTRACT

A door for a household appliance, comprising an outer door pane facing outside and an inner door pane spaced therefrom, at least one door profile placed between the door panes and a top cover covering an aperture of a gap formed in between said door panes. The door further comprises at least one enclosure part which is designed as a separate part of the door attached to the top cover from one side and to the door profile from the other side, and arranged to guide at least one central door pane that can be placed between the outer door pane and the inner door pane.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a door for a household appliance, comprising an outer door pane facing outside and an inner door pane spaced therefrom, at least one door profile placed between the door panes and a top cover covering an aperture of a gap formed in between said door panes.

PRIOR ART

The application numbered CN204024365 U discloses an oven fire door and an oven. The oven fire door comprises window glass outside the door, window glass inside the door, two door body supports, a fixing piece for the window glass inside the door and a door body cover plate. The two door body supports are fixed to the two sides of the inner plate face of the window glass outside the door respectively, and the window glass inside the door is supported on the two door body supports; one end of the fixing piece for the window glass inside the door is fixed to one ends of the two door body supports, and a first bent compressing part is arranged at the other end of the fixing piece for the window glass inside the door and used for compressing the window glass inside the door; limiting holes are alternatively formed in the door body cover plate and the door body supports, and the other one of the door body cover plate and the door body supports is provided with limiting parts matched with the limiting holes, the two ends of the window glass inside the door abut against the door body cover plate and the inner plate face of the fixing piece for the window glass inside the door, a second compressing part is arranged on the door body cover plate and used for compressing the window glass inside the door. According to the oven fire door, the door body cover plate can be disassembled by pressing the limiting parts to separate the limiting parts from the limiting holes, then the window glass inside the door is disassembled, and therefore the window glass inside the door is convenient to disassemble.

The invention provides an additional improvement, an additional advantage or an alternative to the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a door for a household appliance with multiple door panes comprising a top cover that can be mounted or demounted in an easily and secure manner.

The invention, to achieve the abovementioned purpose, a door for a household appliance, comprising an outer door pane facing outside and an inner door pane spaced therefrom, at least one door profile placed between the door panes and a top cover covering an aperture of a gap formed in between said door panes. The door further comprises at least one enclosure part which is designed as a separate part of the door, attached to the top cover from one side and to the door profile from the other side, and arranged to guide at least one central door pane that can be placed between the outer door pane and the inner door pane.

Thus, since the top cover and the enclosure part are provided as separate parts, the deformity problems of the top cover are eliminated. Therefore, the dimensional accuracy of the top cover and the enclosure part are improved and thus mounting and demounting of the door is facilitated. Therefore, users can reach the door panes by separating the top cover from the door easily in order to clean the door panes. Meanwhile safety of the central door pane which is guided by the side enclosure additionally, is improved.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the enclosure part has at least a pair of supporting extension which is spaced apart each other extending towards the central door pane. Thus, the opposite side surfaces of the central door pane are supported by the supporting extensions. Hence, centering the central door pane between the outer door pane and the inner door pane is provided and safety of the central door pane is improved.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the enclosure part comprises a housing part shaped and sized corresponding a first channel of the top cover where the housing part can be inserted. Thus, attaching the enclosure part to the top cover from one side, is provided.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the housing part has a bottom wall whereon a first nail portion which engages to a corresponding first locking opening of the top cover is provided. Thus, fixing of the enclosure part to the top cover is provided.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall is configured as a flexible extension whereon a first contact surface is provided in an accessible manner from the first locking opening whereby an external force can be applied to the first contact surface in order to separate the enclosure part from the top cover. Thus, the enclosure part can be separated from the top cover.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, wherein the enclosure part comprises at least one latching part extending towards the door profile and wherein said latching part has a second nail portion engaged to a corresponding second locking opening of the door profile when the enclosure part attached to the door profile. Thus, fixing the enclosure part to the door profile is provided.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, at least one contact zone is configured on the latching part whereby the enclosure part can be disengaged from the door profile by the external force applied to the contact zone. Thus, the enclosure part can be disengaged from the door profile in an ergonomic manner.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the outer door pane, the inner door pane and the central door pane are made of a glass ceramic material.

Here the door panes are typically transparent in order to be visible the inside the household appliance from outside.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the enclosure part has a supporting wall supporting a surface of the inner door pane which is away from outer door pane. Thus, the safety of the inner door pane is improved.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, a contact region is configured on the supporting wall which contacts to the inner door pane in a direction parallel to the top cover discontinuously. Thus, damaging of the inner door pane by the enclosure part is prevented.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the door profile has guiding channels spaced apart each other for guiding the inner door pane and the central door pane. Thus, the inner door pane and the central door pane is securely guided.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the enclosure part is made of plastic and the top cover is made of metal.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, two door profiles are placed parallel to each other at the opposite sides of the door and wherein two enclosure parts corresponding the associated door profile, are provided at the opposite sides of the top cover. Thus, the top cover is securely fixed to the to the door profiles.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the household appliance for preparing food, particularly an oven, with a door.

Further advantages may become apparent from the following description of the figure(s). In the figure, an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. The figure, the description and the claims contain a plurality of features in combination. The person having ordinary skill in the art will purposefully also consider the features separately and will find further expedient combinations.

If there is more than one specimen of a certain object, only one of these is given a reference numeral in the figures and in the description. The description of this specimen may be correspondingly transferred to the other specimens of the object.

In this context, with the indications “front”, “upper”, “below”, “top”, “bottom”, “rear”, “outer, “inner” etc. the positions and orientations given for intended use and intended arrangement of the household appliance and for a user then standing in front of the household appliance in a closed position and viewing in the direction of the appliance are indicated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The figures, whose brief explanations are herewith provided, are solely intended for providing a better understanding of the present invention and are as such not intended to define the scope of protection or the context in which said scope is to be interpreted in the absence of the description.

FIG. 1 represents a front view of the exemplary home appliance which is designed in particular as an oven having a door.

FIG. 2 represents an isometric view of the exemplary door of the oven.

FIG. 3 represents an another isometric view of the exemplary door where the top cover is exploded.

FIG. 4 represents an another isometric view of the exemplary door where the top cover and the enclosure parts are exploded.

FIG. 5 represents an another isometric view of the exemplary door where the top cover, the inner door pane and the central door pane are exploded.

FIG. 6 represents an isometric view of the top cover.

FIG. 7 represents a zoomed isometric view of the exemplary door where the enclosure part attaches to the top cover from one side, to the door profile from the other side.

FIG. 8 represents an another zoomed isometric view of the exemplary door where the enclosure part attaches to the top cover from one side, to the door profile from the other side.

FIG. 9 represents an isometric view of the enclosure part of the door.

FIG. 10 represents another isometric view of the enclosure part of the door.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In this detailed explanation, the invented subject matter is explained with examples in order to make the subject more understandable without forming any restrictive effect. According to this, in the detailed explanation below, a door (4) is explained to be applied to an oven (1) given in FIG. 1. However, the same embodiment can be applied to any kind of household appliance such as a washing machine, a refrigerator, a dishwasher where the multiple door panes can be needed.

Height direction (h), which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, corresponds to a direction of a height of the door (4) and the household appliance mentioned in this document. Width direction (w), which is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, corresponds to a direction of a width of the door (4) and the household appliance mentioned in this document.

As shown in FIG. 1, the exemplary oven (1) comprises a body (2) and a control panel (3) provided on the body (2). Said control panel (3) extends in the width direction (w) of the oven (1). The oven (1) further comprises a cooking chamber (not shown in figures) where the foodstuffs can be located for a cooking operation, surrounded by the body (2). The cooking chamber has an opening (not shown in figures) provided on a front side of the oven (1) for reaching the cooking chamber. A door (4) is also provided at the front side of the oven (1). In a possible embodiment, the door (4) is hinged to the body (2). Said door (4) covers the opening of the cooking chamber at a closed position such a way that it is extending in a height direction (h) and a width direction (w) of the oven (1). A handle (8) that can be gripped by users to open or close the door (4), is provided at an outer side of the door (4)

As shown in FIG. 2, the door (4) of the oven (1) comprises an outer door pane (5) facing outside and an inner door pane (6) spaced therefrom. The inner door pane (6) and the outer door pane (5) are arranged parallel to each other. In more details, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the inner door pane (6) and the outer door pane (5) are arranged so that a gap (41) is formed in between. When the door (4) is at the closed position, the inner door pane (6) is being the door pane closest to the cooking chamber. At least one central door pane (7) can be placed between the outer door pane (5) and the inner door pane (6). The central door pane (7) is also arranged parallel to the outer door pane (5) and the inner door pane (6). In a possible embodiment, the outer door pane (5), the inner door pane (6) and the central door pane (7) are made of a glass ceramic material. On the other hand, at least one door profile (10) is placed between the outer door pane (5) and the inner door pane (6). In a possible embodiment, two door profiles (10) are placed parallel to each other on an opposite sides of the door (4). The outer door pane (5), the central door pane (7) and the inner door pane (6) are held by the door profiles (10). Said door profiles (10) extending longitudinally are spaced parallel to each other between the outer door pane (5) and the inner door pane (6). The door profiles (10) extend in the height direction (h) of the door (4). In a possible embodiment, the door profiles (10) are made of a metal material. Preferably, said metal material is being aluminum. A top cover (9) comprising a plurality of ventilation opening (92) through which an airflow can pass, is arranged to cover an aperture of the gap (41) formed in between the outer door pane (5) and the inner door pane (6). Said top cover (9) extends in the width direction (w) of the door (4).

As can be seen in FIG. 2-4, there is at least one enclosure part (11) which is designed as a separate part of the door (4). Said enclosure part (11) attaches to the top cover (9) from one side and to the door profile (10) from the other side. In a possible embodiment, two enclosure parts (11) corresponding the associated door profile (10), are provided at the opposite sides of the top cover (9). The enclosure part (11) comprises a housing part (112) shaped and sized corresponding a first channel (91) of the top cover (9). Said first channel (91) is configured such a way that it is extending in the width direction (w) of the door (4). The housing part (112) can be inserted to the first channel (91) in a tightened manner. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the hollow housing part (112) has a bottom wall (126) whereon a first nail portion (113) is provided. Said first nail portion (113) engages to a corresponding first locking opening (93) of the top cover (9), when the housing part (112) inserted to the first channel (91). Thus, the enclosure part (11) attaches to the top cover (9) from one side. The enclosure part (11) further comprises at least one latching part (111) extending towards the door profile (10). Said latching part (111) has a second nail portion (115) engaged to a corresponding second locking opening (103) of the door profile (10), when the enclosure part (11) attached to the door profile (10). The door profile (10) has a second channel (101) extending in the height direction (h) of the door (4). The second locking opening (103) is formed on the first side wall (102) of the door profile (10) facing the outside of the door (4). The latching part (111) extends towards inside the second channel (101) such a way that the second nail portion (115) is engaging the second locking opening (103). Thus, the enclosure part (11) attaches to the door profile (10) from the other side.

With reference to FIG. 5, there are two door profiles (10) which are connected to the outer door pane (5). Preferably, the door profiles (10) are glued to the outer door pane (5). The door profiles (10) have guiding channels (104) spaced apart each other. The guiding channels (104) are configured so as to extend in the height direction (h). In a possible embodiment, said guiding channels (104) are configured to guide the inner door pane (6) and the central door pane (7). Hence, the inner door pane (6) and the central door pane (7) are held by said guiding channels (104).

As can be seen in FIG. 6, the top cover (9) has a substantially U-shaped cross-section. Said top cover (9) comprises a first channel (91) extending longitudinally. A plurality of ventilation opening (92) are provided on the opposite side walls of the top cover (9). Moreover, the first locking opening (93) is provided on a side wall of the top cover (9). There are two bended sections (95) are provided on the top cover (9) longitudinally. In more details, the bended sections (95) are formed by bending the opposite free ends of the top cover (9) towards each other. Thus, the housing part (112) can be guided by the first channel (91). At least one hole (94) is provided on a surface of the bended sections (95). A bumper element (not shown in figures) fits to said hole (94) in order to prevent friction between the surfaces of the door panes.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, in a possible embodiment of the invention, the enclosure part (11) is arranged to guide the central door pane (7). In more details, the housing part (112) has at least a pair of supporting extension (117) which is spaced apart each other extending towards the central door pane (7). In other words, the supporting extensions (117) extends towards the central door pane (7) such a way that each of the supporting extension (117) is supporting the opposite side surfaces of the central door pane (7). Thus, the central door pane (7) is guided by means of a guiding spacing (123) provided between the supporting extensions (117). The enclosure part (11) has a housing part (112) attached to the top cover (9) from one side and a latching part (111) attached to the door profile (10) from the other side. Preferably, said housing part (112) is formed as a hollow prism corresponding the first channel (91). More preferably, said housing part (112) is formed as a hollow rectangular prism corresponding the first channel (91). The housing part (112) has a bottom wall (126) whereon a first nail portion (113) which engages to a corresponding first locking opening (93) of the top cover (9) is provided. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall (126) is configured as a flexible extension whereon a first contact surface (114) is provided in an accessible manner from the first locking opening (93). Said first contact surface (114) is formed as an angled surface such a way that it is tapering towards the free end of the flexible extension. Hence, an external force can be applied to the first contact surface (114) in order to separate the enclosure part (11) from the top cover (9). At least one outer protrusion (129) configured on an outer surface of the side wall (132), extends along the outer surface. Thus, inserting the housing part (112) inside the first channel (91) incorrectly is prevented. At least one inner protrusion (128) is configured on at least one inner side surfaces (127) of the housing part (112). Thus, the side walls (132) are strengthened against a probable breaking. The latching part (111) of the enclosure part (11) extends towards the door profile (10). Said latching part (111) has a second nail portion (115) engaged to a corresponding second locking opening (103) of the door profile (10), when the enclosure part (11) attached to the door profile (10). In a possible embodiment, at least one contact zone (119) is configured on the latching part (111). Said contact zone (119) can be formed as a protrusion protruding outwardly from the latching part (111). Preferably, a surface of the contact zone (119) where an external force (F) can be applied, is formed as a serrated surface whereon the teeth are provided. More preferably, said serrated surface is formed as a recessed surface which the finger of the user seats. With reference to FIGS. 3 and 7, said contact zone (119) engages to the corresponding profile cutout (105) of the door profile (10) which is formed on an upper side closer to the top cover (9), when the enclosure part (11) attached to the door profile (10). The second nail portion (115) is configured on a side closer to a free end (118) of the latching part (111). In a possible embodiment of the invention, a second contact surface (116) is configured on the second nail portion (115). Said second contact surface (116) is formed as an angled surface such a way that it is tapering towards the free end (118). Moreover, at least one first reinforcement extension (121) is provided on a side surface of the latching part (111) facing the housing part (112). Said first reinforcement extension (121) is configured as extending parallel to the latching part (111). In a possible embodiment, two first reinforcement extensions (121) extending parallel to the latching part (111), are configured in a manner extending not being closer to the free end (118). Thus, the latching part (111) is strengthened against a probable breaking.

At least one extension (130) is provided between the housing part (112) and the latching part (111). Said extension (130) extends towards the door profile (10) so as to be parallel to the latching part (111). When the enclosure part (11) attached to the door profile (10), the extension (130) extends towards inside the second channel (101) and abuts to the second side wall (106) which is opposite to the first side wall (102) (see in FIG. 4). Said extension (130) has a tapering section (131) which tapers towards a free end of the extension (130). When the enclosure part (11) attached to the door profile (10), said tapering section (131) is being a little distant from the second side wall (106). Thus the enclosure part (11) attaches to the door profile (10) in a more firmly manner. There is a second reinforcement extension (133) provided between the latching part (111) and the extension (130). Said second reinforcement extension (133) extends perpendicular to the latching part (111) and the extension (130). When an external force (F) applied to the contact zone (119) in order to separate the enclosure part (11) from the door profile (10), the latching part (111) flexes towards the housing part (112). Then, since the latching part (111) and the extension (130) are connected to each other by means of the second reinforcement extension (133), the extension (130) also flexes towards the housing part (112). After that the tapering section (131) directs towards the housing part (112), and thus the enclosure part (11) can be separated from the door profile (10) easily. Here, in order to separate the enclosure part (11) from the door profile (10), the external force (F) can be applied to the second contact surface (116) which is provided in an accessible manner from the second locking opening (103), instead of the contact zone (119). As can be seen in FIG. 7, in order to be disengaged the enclosure part (11) from the door profile (10), the external force (F) can be applied to the contact zone (119) or to the second contact surface (116), and then the enclosure part (11) attached to the top cover (9) can be pulled in a pulled direction (P) by the user.

As can be seen in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, the latching part (111) further comprises a supporting wall (124) extending in the width direction (w). Said supporting wall (124) supports a surface (61) of the inner door pane (6) which is away from the outer door pane (5). In a possible embodiment of the invention, a contact region (120) is configured on the supporting wall (124) which contacts to the inner door pane (6) in a direction parallel to the top cover (9) discontinuously. Said contact region (120) has contact surfaces (125) facing the inner door pane (6) Preferably, said contact region (120) is configured as a wavy formed region. Thus, damaging of the inner door pane (6) by the enclosure part (11) is prevented.

In a possible embodiment of the invention, the enclosure part (11) is made of plastic and the top cover (9) is made of metal. Said plastic can be any kind of plastic material which is applicable to the plastic injection process.

REFERENCE LIST

1. Oven

2. Body

3. Control panel

4. Door

-   -   41. Gap

5. Outer door pane

6. Inner door pane

-   -   61. Surface

7. Central door pane

8. Handle

9. Top cover

-   -   91. First channel     -   92. Ventilation opening     -   93. First locking opening     -   94. Hole     -   95. Bended section

10. Door profile

-   -   101. Second channel     -   102. First side wall     -   103. Second locking opening     -   104. Guiding channel     -   105. Profile cutout     -   106. Second side wall

11. Enclosure part

-   -   111. Latching part     -   112. Housing part     -   113. First nail portion     -   114. First contact surface     -   115. Second nail portion     -   116. Second contact surface     -   117. Supporting extension     -   118. Free end     -   119. Contact zone     -   120. Contact region     -   121. First reinforcement extension     -   123. Guiding spacing     -   124. Supporting wall     -   125. Contact surface     -   126. Bottom wall     -   127. Inner side     -   128. Inner protrusion     -   129. Outer protrusion     -   130. Extension     -   131. Tapering section     -   132. Side wall     -   133. Second reinforcement extension

F. External force

P. Pulling direction

w. width direction

h. height direction 

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A door for a household appliance, said door comprising: an outer door pane facing outside; an inner door pane disposed in spaced-apart relation to the outer door panel to define a gap between the outer door pane and the inner door pane; a door profile placed between the outer door pane and the inner door pane; a top cover covering an aperture of a gap; a central door pane configured for placement between the outer door pane and the inner door pane; and an enclosure part designed as a separate part of the door and arranged to guide the central door pane, said enclosure part attached to the top cover from one side and to the door profile from another side.
 16. The door of claim 15, wherein the enclosure part comprises a pair of supporting extension disposed in spaced-apart relation and extending towards the central door pane.
 17. The door of claim 15, wherein the enclosure part comprises a housing part shaped and sized in correspondence to a first channel of the top cover, said housing part being insertable in the first channel.
 18. The door of claim 17, wherein the housing part includes a bottom wall, and further comprising a nail portion provided on the bottom wall and engaging a corresponding locking opening of the top cover.
 19. The door of claim 18, wherein the bottom wall is configured as a flexible extension having a contact surface provided in an accessible manner from the locking opening and configured for application of an external force to separate the enclosure part from the top cover.
 20. The door of claim 15, wherein the enclosure part comprises a latching part extending towards the door profile and including a nail portion engaged to a corresponding locking opening of the door profile when the enclosure part is attached to the door profile.
 21. The door of claim 20, wherein the latching part includes a contact zone, said enclosure part disengageable from the door profile by an external force applied to the contact zone.
 22. The door of claim 15, wherein the outer door pane, the inner door pane and the central door pane are each made of a glass ceramic material.
 23. The door of claim 15, wherein the inner door pane has a surface which is away from the outer door pane, said enclosure part including a supporting wall supporting the surface of the inner door pane.
 24. The door of claim 23, wherein the supporting wall has a contact region which contacts to the inner door pane in a direction parallel to the top cover discontinuously.
 25. The door of claim 15, wherein the door profile has guiding channels in spaced-apart relation for guiding the inner door pane and the central door pane.
 26. The door of claim 15, wherein the enclosure part is made of plastic and the top cover is made of metal.
 27. The door of claim 15, further comprising a further said door profile, said door profiles being placed parallel to each other at opposite sides of the door and a further said enclosure part, said enclosure parts being associated to the door profiles at opposite sides of the top cover.
 28. The household appliance for preparing food, said household appliance comprising a door comprising an outer door pane facing outside, an inner door pane disposed in spaced-apart relation to the outer door panel to define a gap between the outer door pane and the inner door pane, a door profile placed between the outer door pane and the inner door pane, a top cover covering an aperture of a gap, a central door pane configured for placement between the outer door pane and the inner door pane, and n enclosure part designed as a separate part of the door and arranged to guide the central door pane, said enclosure part attached to the top cover from one side and to the door profile from another side.
 29. The household appliance of claim 28, constructed in the form of an oven. 